Durham Rescue Mission Needs Toys

The Durham Rescue Mission said Thursday that it still needs 10,000 new, unwrapped toys for children attending the group’s Christmas toy giveaway on Dec. 23.

The mission is asking for donations so every child who attends the event will receive toys.

“Please join me in helping to provide for our children by donating new toys, books, and games,” Mayor Bill Bell said in a statement.

In addition to the toy giveaway, the mission will serve a free traditional Christmas meal with all the trimmings, and hand out free clothing and groceries at the event. Games and other activities for the children will also be available.

The event will start at noon at the mission, located at 1201 E. Main St.

Anyone who would like to donate toys should call the mission at 919-688-9641 for more information. Financial gifts can be donated online.

Last year, more than 7,000 toys, 8,000 pieces of clothing, 3,000 meals and 1,022 bags of groceries were given away.

In 2008, the mission gave away more than 7,000 toys, 10,000 pieces of clothing and 850 bags of groceries at its annual celebration.